David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

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In 1968 Jerry Snell opened a door in the hallway outside our first hour chemistry class. He invited me into what I discovered was a darkroom. Soon I was on the school newspaper and annual staff as a photographer. Later I learned that Jerry was a Lutheran who was planning to become a pastor. A few years later I was not only a Lutheran, but I was heading off to seminary to become a Lutheran pastor, too. Jerry followed a year later and served as a pastor in Missouri until his untimely heart attack and death. I thank God for Jerry and enjoy photography still today – not to mention rejoicing in having served as a Lutheran pastor in congregations in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. I’ve retired now and serve part time as a Congregational Support Specialist for the Texas District of the LCMS. I also provide coaching and leadership training through various PLI cohorts and with individual congregations and organizations. David Bahn is a follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Diane, father and grandfather. He is an avid amateur photographer. His photo website is “Flowers by God Photos by David” He also publishes a devotional blog DavidBahn-Reflections.com. He and Diane live in Cypress Texas and enjoy visiting their grandchildren who live in the United States and Germany. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in 1979, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1991. Diane, his wife, is now retired from PLI (PLIleadership.org). They have offered presentations on Marriage and Ministry Partnership, Leadership, Changing Your Congregation’s Culture, and Missional Living. They look are working with PLI International training pastors and wives of the ELVD Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania. David’s personal mission statement is “Leading people to realize Jesus’ calling and plans for their lives.”

Better than a “come to Jesus” meeting

Perhaps you’ve heard of a “come to Jesus meeting”. It’s an encounter of accountability and confrontation. When a person is to have a come to Jesus meeting he braces himself to be criticized, shown the errors of his way, and put in his proper place.

Waves Crashing on the Rocks
The waves crash on the rocks as a reminder of the awesome power of the ocean.

Matthew 14:22-27

Immediately [Jesus]  made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying,  “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

The disciples had a different kind of meeting with Jesus. It was not a confrontation, or critical assessment of the errors of their ways. It was, rather, a comforting, encouraging, reassuring encounter with the Lord of the wind and waves.

The disciples were terrified at the approach of Jesus on the waves; just as any of us would be if confronted with such an appearance. This is the stuff of fear: One so powerful and over all that he strolls on ocean swells. Ghost or airbender, master magician or illusionist: take your pick. You see this and you must begin to wonder what’s going on. How can this be?

Jesus’ assurance to them offers great comfort and assurance. They need not fear. They can find courage. Their master and rabbi has come to them. This is no ghost. The pray-er has become a wave walker. But he is the same one who has taught, sent, fed, and been with them. He is there to be with them again.

We don’t always recognize Jesus’ presence. We don’t always understand his power. We may miss the answers to our prayers. But Jesus is Lord over the waves, and is with us always. That’s good news for those who must face the winds and waves of daily life and discipleship.

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